Ivan Joatzay
Within the State of Mexico, vaccination coverage in children under one year of age stands at 72.7%. In order to eradicate diseases, more vaccines and societal interest are required, according to Gregory López, a vaccination specialist.
In an interview with Portal, Daniel Gregory López Rodríguez, the medical manager of vaccines at Sanofi Mexico, discussed the current vaccination landscape in Mexico and the potential resurgence of diseases due to incomplete prevention schemes.
What is the current vaccination landscape?
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the international vaccination system is recovering from a halt in the prevention of common diseases. According to official UNICEF data, 1 in 5 children worldwide did not receive any vaccine from the universal system. The specialist highlighted that globally, at least 26 million children missed out on vaccines from the basic vaccination program.
In Mexico, vaccination coverage for children under one year of age is 84.9%, while for children over twelve months of age, it is 78.6%. However, the State of Mexico records lower coverage with only 72.7% for children under one year of age.
López Rodríguez explained that despite efforts to recover the formal vaccination scheme in the country, such as the campaign conducted last year to administer the hexavalent vaccine, the coverage has not reached the necessary 95% to eradicate diseases and prevent their resurgence.
“There is a risk of diseases like poliomyelitis reappearing, as seen in the United States or Peru,” the doctor explained.
Why is there a decrease?
Although there is no current anti-vaccination movement in Mexico like in European nations or the United States, there has been a clear decrease in coverage. This decline has affected the national prevention system and led to the resurgence of local diseases due to lack of interest, ignorance, and the impact of the pandemic lockdown. The doctor emphasized the need for clear and transparent information to address this issue.
Poliomyelitis, whooping cough, tetanus, and diphtheria are among the diseases that may resurge, with recent lethal cases reported in Latin America. Vaccination is crucial in preventing these diseases.
“As a society, it is time for us to review our vaccination status and ensure that we complete the vaccination schemes. Let’s prioritize our health,” urged López Rodríguez.
And the Mexican vaccines?
Currently, the vaccination system in Mexico has made significant progress in vaccine production. Although the country is not yet self-sufficient like it was in the 1990s and still relies on imported vaccines from international laboratories to achieve national coverage, there is a possibility of Mexico becoming a vaccine producer in the future.
(Photo: networks)
This content discusses the current vaccination landscape in Mexico, particularly within the State of Mexico. It highlights that vaccination coverage for children under one year of age in the state is at 72.7% and explores the need for more vaccines and societal interest in order to eradicate diseases. The article also mentions the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the international vaccination system and the potential resurgence of diseases due to incomplete prevention schemes. The specialist interviewed in the article emphasizes the importance of reaching a coverage of at least 95% to prevent disease resurgence. The content concludes by mentioning the risk of diseases like poliomyelitis reappearing if vaccination coverage remains low.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the international vaccination system, and what measures are being taken to ensure vaccination coverage remains high despite the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the international vaccination system. Some of the key effects include:
1. Disruption in routine immunization programs: The pandemic has led to interruptions in routine immunization services in many countries. Lockdown measures, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and redirection of resources towards COVID-19 response have resulted in reduced access to routine vaccinations for diseases such as measles, polio, and diphtheria.
2. Vaccine production and supply chain challenges: The pandemic has affected vaccine production and supply chains, causing delays and shortages in some regions. Travel restrictions and closure of borders have hindered the transportation of vaccines, and manufacturing sites faced operational challenges due to lockdowns and workforce restrictions.
3. Hesitancy and misinformation: The pandemic has also led to an increase in vaccine hesitancy and the spread of misinformation. Some individuals may be reluctant to seek vaccination due to fears about vaccine safety or efficacy, leading to lower vaccination rates.
To ensure vaccination coverage remains high despite the pandemic, several measures are being taken:
1. Adaptation of immunization programs: Many countries have adapted their immunization programs to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic. This includes implementing alternative vaccination strategies, such as mobile clinics or home vaccination services, to reach underserved populations and those in remote areas.
2. Catch-up campaigns: Countries are launching catch-up campaigns to target individuals who missed routine vaccinations during the pandemic. These campaigns aim to quickly restore immunization coverage and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
3. Strengthening vaccine supply chains: Efforts are being made to strengthen vaccine supply chains and ensure consistent availability of vaccines. This involves streamlining logistics, securing additional manufacturing capacities, and establishing emergency stockpiles to mitigate any future disruptions.
4. Vaccine education and communication: Governments and health organizations are ramping up efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy and address misinformation. This includes targeted communication campaigns to provide accurate information about vaccines, their safety, and their role in preventing diseases.
5. Global collaboration and support: International organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) are working closely with governments and partners to support immunization efforts. They provide technical guidance, coordinate vaccine distribution, and mobilize resources to ensure equitable access to vaccines globally.
Overall, a multi-faceted approach involving adaptation, catch-up campaigns, supply chain strengthening, education, and global collaboration is being employed to ensure vaccination coverage remains high during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccination coverage is crucial for the State of Mexico to combat potential resurgences of diseases. Overcoming challenges in achieving widespread immunization is paramount to ensure the health and well-being of its population.
Vaccination coverage in the State of Mexico is crucial for public health. This article highlights the challenges we face in maintaining sufficient coverage and the potential consequences if we fail. Let’s prioritize global immunization efforts and work together to eliminate preventable diseases.